"Our Veteran"

Today my little ladies had a program honoring Veterans! Last week when I received the note telling us about the program, I instantly knew who to call. My Dad.... a.k.a. Grandpa Motorcycle.

Let me tell you a little bit about my Dad. He's a Vietnam Vet, he has a very gruff exterior,but a heart of gold, and his work ethic is amazing. He rarely, I mean rarely takes a day off of work for anything. So I was surprised and excited when I called him last week and he said "Oh Sure, I'll be there!" He even called the next morning to verify the time. Having my Dad take time off to come and hear the girlies sing, meant so much to me.

I don't know if he's ever had anyone Honor him in this way, I think it meant a lot to him, when I called and said "Dad, you're our Veteran, will you come?"

He wore a shirt that said "Vets Don't Forget" and hat that says "Vietnam Veteran" it was so touching and emotional to see all of the Veterans there. My dad acknowledged the other Veterans with a firm hand shake and a "how ya doin?" He didn't even know them, but I think they all share a bond that we will never understand.

As soon as they presented the Colors and everyone said the Pledge of Allegiance together, I could feel the emotion. Then the principal asked for all of the Veterans to stand and we all applauded them, I could see how touching this was for my Dad! He sat down and got his hankie out and had to wipe away the tears. The children began to sing and he silently sat and let the tears flow. I felt very honored to have him sitting next to me. At one point in the program we stood and were suppose to sing the Star Spangled Banner together, my Dad stood there with his hat in his hand over his heart and just weeped. I couldn't even sing, I was so touched, my tears were flowing at this point too. All I could do was stand there and put my arm around my Dad and listen. Then they asked for the Veterans to stand so the children could sing them a song, my Dad stood there at attention and listened to these sweet kids sing a song honoring him. I couldn't see his face but I knew he was deeply touched by it!

Growing up my Dad always taught us kids to respect the flag, respect Veterans, and respect this Country that we are so lucky to live in. He also taught us to honor those who have lost their lives fighting for this Country. He's a very patriotic man and has passed that on to me. He was affected by Vietnam in a way that I will NEVER know, seeing him today so full of emotion and Honor is something I will never forget.

Thanks Dad for coming to this program, it meant so much to me, I'm so grateful to have you as my Dad. This will be something that I shared with you that I will never forget!
So to my Dad and all Veterans "Thank-you" for this great service you have done for our Country! You are Heroes to so many people!

( We do have another amazing Veteran in our family, my Grandpa Muehlfeit, he's a World War II Vet. We did invite him to come as well but he was sick. Sorry you couldn't make it Grandpa, we missed you!)